Chapter 25: Heartbreakers

Stefan buckles Lulu into the seat adjoining his and takes a deep breath to steady his nerves. The next ten minutes are crucial. He looks at his watch and swears to himself. The messenger should have been here 2 minutes ago. Just then a man burst into the airplane cabin.

M:"Mr Cassadine, I have those papers you requested." He thrusts the packet at Stefan, who rips it open, inspecting the passport and adjoining papers.

Stefan nods in satisfaction. "Excellent. If all goes well, there will be a bonus."

M:"Thank you, sir. Let me know if we can be of service to you in the future."

Stefan doesn't look up from the papers. The messenger shrugs and leaves.
Lulu:"What's that?"
Stefan puts the packet down to pick up her hand. He covers her tiny hand with his.

Stefan looks intently into Lulu's eyes. "We need to play a very important game, angel, so we can go see your mother. Will you help me?"
Lulu(mesmerized):"What kind of game?"
Stefan:"We have to make believe you are my daughter. Can you do that?"
Lulu:"That's lying. Mommy says never to lie."
Stefan:"And your Mommy is right. But this isn't really lying, this is pretend. You've played pretend before, haven't you?"
Lulu:"Yeah.. so we're playing pretend then?"
Stefan:"Yes."
Lulu nods. "Okay. Mommy said to do what you say."

The conversation is over not a moment too soon. A government official enters the plane to inspect their passport. Stefan leans over and whispers in Lulu's ear.

Stefan:"Remember to call me Daddy, then they'll let us go see your mommy."

Official:"Good afternoon, Mr Cassadine. This is a rather sudden trip. I just got notice of it fifteen minutes ago." He bends down to look at Lulu who is holding onto Stefan's hand tightly. "And who is this beautiful little lady?"

Stefan hands him the passport. "My daughter, LuLu." He gives her hand a squeeze as he smiles at her indulgently.

The official looks at the passport carefully, as he studies Lulu. "Lesley Lu Cassadine, quite a name."

Lulu looks at Stefan. "Everyone calls me Lulu, except my Mommy when she's mad. "

The official smiles at her quip. "Really? Where's your mommy?"

The official seems to have all the time in the world. Stefan tries to remain calm, praying the official isn't suspicious. He was a fool to think he could get a small child out of the country so quickly without drawing notice. But Lulu doesn't disappoint him.

Lulu:"In Switzerland. Me and Daddy are going to see her."

Official:"Switzerland, that's a mighty big word for you. Daddy must be very proud."

Lulu looks down, thinking of her real Daddy, temporarily forgetting the game. She responds in her sad voice. "Thank you."

Stefan heart sinks at Lulu's slip but is thankful that she hasn't started crying. Quickly he attempts to cover for the minor slipup. "There's no reason to be bashful, angel. You know how proud Mommy and I are. Is there anything else you need to know, Mr...(looking at the official's nametag) Luciano?"

Mr Luciano stamps the passport and returns it to Stefan. Lulu presses her face into Stefan's side. To official, it appears that Lulu has a bad case of bashfulness. Stefan knows better.

Official:"Have a good trip to Switzerland Mr Cassadine. You too, Miss Lulu. Nice to meet you." He attempts to get Lulu to smile at him, but she buries herself further into Stefan's side. Stefan's arms wraps around her protectively.

Stefan shrugs at the official in response to Lulu's behavior. "Thank you." Finally the official leaves. Within a few minutes they are in the air on the way to Switzerland.

Stefan sags with relief. "It was close, angel. But we did it. You did a great job."

Lulu's head shoots up to look at Stefan. "Really?"

Stefan tousles her hair playfully, "Really. You look sleepy. Shall we both take a nap?"

Lulu wrinkles her nose at the odd thought of an adult taking a nap. "You take naps too?"

Stefan prevaricates. "Absolutely."

Lulu curls up and lays her head in his lap and closes her eyes. Stefan strokes her hair as she settles in for her nap. She looks so angelic laying there. So trusting. After a couple of minutes, she looks up at him sleepily. "I thought you were going to take a nap?"

Stefan closes his eyes obediently. "I am." Once he hears her breathing evenly, he peeks at her and confirms she is asleep. He stares out the window at the billowy clouds, replaying the events of the last few days.. the hospital, when Lulu and Laura stayed at Wyndemere, the wake, Laura at the cemetery, Cassandra's visit, and Lucky's stunt the previous night. So much has happened. The game has changed and so have the players. He begins to reformulate his plans and priorities.

His thoughts are interrupted by Lulu whimpering and moving restlessly. Stefan watches, uncertain whether to wake her. After a few moments, as her agitation and whimpering increase, it becomes clear to him that she's in the throes of a nightmare. He gently tries to wake her.

Stefan(rubbing her head and back):"Angel... sweetheart, wake up. it's okay. It's just a bad dream."

Lulu awakens crying and thrashing. "No Mommy, Lucky!"

Stefan gathers her up in his arms. "It's okay, shssh. You're safe, everyone is safe." Lulu clings to him frantically as she sobs. He repeats the reassuring words over and over like a mantra as he rocks her in his arms. After several minutes, her sobs subside into hiccups. She settles into his lap, sitting sideways so that her legs hang over one side.

Stefan:"Tell me your nightmare, angel."
Lulu:"Mommy and Lucky .. (hiccup) were sleeping. I couldn't.. (hiccup) wake them. They ..They died." Lulu starts to cry again. "It's my fault they died. That's why Aunt Ruby died! I kill (hiccup).. killed her!"

Lulu's words pierce Stefan's heart. No wonder Lulu was so frantic to get to her mother. Stefan swallows the lump in his throat as he picks his next words carefully. "Angel, You had a bad dream. Your mama is fine. She's in Switzerland, remember? And Lucky is with Nikolas. Nikolas wouldn't let anything happen to Lucky."
Lulu seems to calm down. "Can we call my Mommy?"
Stefan:"Of course. But we don't want to worry your Mother unless we have to, do we?"
Lulu sniffles, allowing Stefan's to dry her face. "Yeah, she'd be scared if I called crying, huh?"
Stefan:"I think so." He pauses to put the handkerchief away in his pocket. "Do you think I'm pretty smart, Lulu?"
Lulu."Yes. You're the smartest. Next to my Daddy."
Stefan:"Would you believe me if I told you that I know for a fact that it wasn't your fault that your aunt Ruby died?"
Lulu thinks for a moment. "But she died when I tried to wake her."
Stefan(gingerly):"Angel, your aunt Ruby was already dead. You didn't do anything wrong. In fact you were very brave. You called Lucky immediately."
Lulu lays her head on his chest, listening to the heartbeat inside: the rhythm strong and insistent. "Is that what Daddy looked like when he died? Like he was sleeping?"
Stefan is speechless for a moment. His voice trembles with emotion when he answers. "Yes, I think he did."
Lulu(quietly):"I miss my Daddy."
"I know you do." Stefan feels the tears prick the corners of his eyes at Lulu's quiet revelation. Damn his mother. Damn her to hell.

Stefan and Lulu sit in silence for a long time. Finally Stefan breaks the mood. "Shall we call your mother and brothers and let them know we are safely on our way?"

.............................


Lucky and Nikolas arrive outside of Luke's.

Lucky:"I'm okay from here, man. Thanks."
Nikolas:"You're not getting rid of me that easy. You're stuck with me until Mother and Lesleylu get back."
Lucky puts on the famous Spencer charm. "Hey, what kind of trouble can I get into here, with Mike watchin' me like a hawk and your uncle out of town? Besides, don't you have a hot date with Gina tonight?"
Nikolas(not at all affected):"Canceled. And your charm doesn't work on Cassadines. You should know that by now."
Lucky:"Listen man, you're cramping my style. How am I supposed to pick up chicks with you breathing down my neck. You're worse than having Mom around."
Nik:"That's because Mother lets you run rampant through the streets. What you need is discipline..."
Lucky:"You're starting to sound like your uncle, and you know how I feel about him. Get lost while I still like ya. There's a girl I met the other day that I want to spend some time with. She should be here tonight. Come on, man. Have some mercy."
Nik:"A girl, huh? Anyone I know?"
Lucky(shaking his head in disbelief):"You're dating Gina, remember?"
Nik:"Just because I'm dating, doesn't mean I'm dead... Okay, Okay. But I'll be back at midnight. If you get into any trouble, I'll kill you."
Lucky:"Not to worry, man. Go play kissy-face with your girl friend."
Nikolas walks back to the waiting limo."You're a punk, you know that?"

Lucky breathes a sigh of relief as he walks into Luke's Place. Mike and Cassidy are at the bar, chatting. The place is pretty quiet, but there are a few patrons. Blues music plays in the background.

Mike:"Hey, Lucky. You remember my daughter, Cassidy?"

Lucky shakes her hand as he studies her slim figure appreciatively. He notices that she is wearing skin tight jeans and a formfitting black cashmere sweater. Her hair is pulled back into a French braid. Yep, Lucky sure did remember. "How could I forget? Lucky Spencer, at your service."

Cassidy smiles back at him genuinely. "Thanks. Nice to know chivalry isn't dead. I didn't get a chance to give my condolences earlier. I'm sorry about your father. Dad has told me all about him. It sounds like he was very special."

Lucky:"Thanks, he was. (changing the subject) I still can't get over that Mike never mentioned you."
Cassidy nods, expecting the question. "I'd be happy to fill you in over dinner. You interested? I hear you have an 'in' with the cook."

Lucky can't believe his luck. This chick wants to have dinner with him. He plays it cool. "As a matter of fact I do know the cook. Dinner would be great. Let's grab a table. Mike, I'll see ya later." Mike shakes his head in amusement as they walk away.

As the couple finds themselves a table, Detective Taggert swaggers in. Mike rolls his eyes at the sight of him. The phone rings before they have a chance to speak. Mike answers it.

Mike:"Hello? Hi Sweetie, you want to talk to Lucky? Sure thing he's right here." He covers the receiver. He calls over to Lucky. "Lucky, there's a young lady that wishes to speak to you."
Lucky excuses himself. "Sorry about this, I'll be right back. Mike, I'll take it in the back."

Mike:"Not you again. Can't you just give it a rest?"
Taggert(in a condescending way): "Now Mr Corbin, I would think you'd appreciate my commitment to finding your son's murderer. But all I get is hostility. Now why is that?"
Mike(through his teeth):"Because you aren't interested in justice. You're only interested in harassing the people I care about."
Taggert:"Well it looks mighty suspicious that your loved ones have left town. Where are Alexis and Jason, by the way? Have they checked in from their honeymoon yet?"
Mike(losing his temper):"Listen, you attack me all you want, but leave Alexis out of this."

Cassidy watches the heated exchange between her father and a man she's never seen before. She immediately guess he is a cop by his obvious pleasure in toying with Mike. She gets up and makes her way leisurely to the bar, hoping she will attract his attention. The stranger notices her approach, his stare turning to interest. Their conversation ends when she is within hearing distance.

Cassidy saddles up the bar. "Bartender, could I have a refill?"
Mike stifles a look of amusement. "Sure thing, little lady."
Cassidy:"It looks like my date stood me up."
Taggert(attempting to make small talk):"Now that's a real crime. You new in town? I don't think I've seen you around before."
Cassidy smiles to herself. This is too easy. "Just got in a few days ago. Still figuring out where everything is. It's kind of overwhelming."
Taggert:"Being new in town is kinda lonely. I've been here a few years and I still feel like I'm new. And some folks are darn right unfriendly." He nods his head in the direction of Mike, who is looking on from a distance.
Cassidy:"What's his problem?"
Taggert:"Well he's still mad 'cause I tried to bust that thug son of his. I'm a police detective."
Cassidy feigns awe. "Really? Wow, that must be dangerous."
Taggert takes the stool next to her, taking her signals to mean she's interested. "Yeah, sometimes."
Cassidy:"That thug you were mentioning... would he be the man who got killed a couple weeks ago? What is his name.... oh now I remember, Sonny Corinthos?"
Taggert:"The same one. To tell you the truth, who ever shot him did me and Port Charles a favor."
Cassidy:"Really." She pauses to take a sip. "So who do you think killed him? Oh, wait. I bet you can't say since it's still under investigation."
Taggert:"Technically you're right. But I came here tonight to see if the old man might leak some clues."
Cassidy:"You think he's hiding information on who killed his own son?"
Taggert:"Well, I wouldn't be surprised if he was in on the hit. It's not like he and Sonny were close. I'd bet Sonny's dad showed up in time to ride the gravy train. And when he saw the opportunity to make even more dough, he jumped at it."
Cassidy takes a drink to keep herself from pouring it on his bald head. Taggert:"Anyway, enough about my job. How about I buy you dinner?"
Cassidy:"That's awfully generous of you considering we don't even know each other's names."
Taggert:"The name's Taggert."
Cassidy:"Cassidy."
Taggert gets up. "Cassidy... I like that. Shall we get a table, Cassidy? Or go to the Outback?"
Cassidy turns on her stool so she is facing him:"Well I'll have to pass on the generous offer. You see, I don't eat with men that insult my family." With that she throws her drink in his face.
Taggert(in shock):"What the hell?"
Cassidy(smugly):"The name's Cassidy... Cassidy Corbin. I'm the thug's sister."
Taggert's shock turns to anger. "There are names for women like you."
Cassidy:"And there are names for men like you, Detective Taggert. To be polite, let's start with... bad cop with a grudge. How does it feel to be toyed with? Hmmm? I imagine you don't like it any better than my brother or father. Now I think you should leave. Otherwise I might have to bring up your disrespectful behavior towards me to your superior officer."
Taggert(wiping his face and shirt off with a napkin):"Disrespectful to you? That'd be a lie."
Cassidy:"Not any more a lie than the games you played with my brother.. or the one you were just playing with my father. Now get out."
Mike comes up behind her. "You heard my daughter. Leave."
Taggert angrily puts his jacket on as he walks to the door. "Don't mess with me again, Ms Corbin. You'll lose. I'm nobody's fool."
Cassidy calls out to Taggert as he walks through the door. "You're an idiot. If you had an ounce of intelligence, you would have already figured out this case."

Mike looks at his daughter in admiration. "Nice job, sweetheart."
Cassidy:"I figured he had it coming to him. Where'd Lucky go?"
Mike:"He's talking with his baby sister in the back room."
Cassidy:"So tell me what you know about the shooting. I never did get all the details. Do you know who did it?"
Mike:"Have a seat and another drink. You'll need both."

..........................


Nikolas stands outside Gina's room. He takes a deep breath as he smooths his hair, wondering why he feels so nervous.

Gina opens the door to his knock. Her look of surprise quickly turns to delight. "Hi, I didn't think I'd get to see you tonight."

Nikolas:"Lucky begged me to leave him alone. So I left him at Luke's. Can I come in?"

Gina moves out of the way to allow him entry. "Sure. come in. It's not very fancy."

Nikolas looks around at the simple furnishings. "It's nice and it's yours. That's all that matters."

Gina(nervously):"Yeah, I suppose so. Would you like something to drink?" She motions him to the couch.

Nik:"No thanks. I really came over to see if you were alright. You were pretty upset earlier." He pats the cushion of the couch next to him, beckoning her to sit down. Gina complies. "So tell me how you're doing."

Gina looks down at her hands. "Okay I guess. Just so much death, you know?"

Nik(gently):"You don't sound okay." He reaches out to stroke her hair.

Gina(starting to cry): "I don't know how much more pain I can take, Nikolas. If I lose one more person I love, I don't know what I'm going to do." She leans her head against his hand, craving closer contact.

Nikolas pulls her back against his chest as his arms wrap around her. "You've lost so much, Gina. I wish I could take your pain away."

Gina rubs her cheek against his hand, savoring the safety and comfort she feels in his arms. The first peace she's felt since Sonny died. She doesn't want it to end, ever. "Promise me you won't leave."

Nikolas kisses the space behind her ear, sending shivers down her spine. "I'll stay as long as you want me to."

Nikolas tries to ignore the desire he feels for her, but holding her makes it impossible. He knows what she needs is a comforting friend, not a lover. He closes his eyes, mentally blocking his impulses to steady himself.

Inside Gina, there is similar war going on. She knows herself well enough to realize that she's craving comfort more than anything. Sleeping with Nikolas tonight would accomplish this, but it would hurt them both. However, the contact with his muscular body is intensely arousing, making it hard for her to resist. Her head falls back on his shoulder as she struggles with her feelings.

Seeing Gina's exposed neck as she leans her head on his shoulder is Nik's undoing. Unable to resist, he plants small kisses on her throat, making her breathing jagged.

Gina looks at Nik, licking her lips involuntarily. "Nikolas, make love to me."

Nikolas captures her mouth in his, passionately kissing her until they're both out of breath. Nikolas breaks away, attempting to regain control. Gina threads her fingers through his hair, drawing him back to her. They kiss passionately again, this time more fervently. Nikolas plants passionate kisses on her face.. starting with her chin, moving to her cheeks and eyes. He stops when she begins to unbutton his shirt.

........................


Cassidy is sitting with Lucky at Luke's, having just finished their meals.

Cassidy:"The cook is fabulous, Lucky."
"I know." Lucky stretches. "You know, you never answered my question about why Mike never told us about you. Obviously he loves you very much. So what's the deal?"

"It's a long story." Just then her cell phone rings. "Hello?"

Man:"Hello, luv. Guess where I'm heading now."
Cassidy:"Port Charles. Are you calling from the plane?"
Man:"Yep, you must be psychic, darlin'. I'll be there in half an hour. Can you pick me up?"
Cassidy:"Will do. I'll see you then. Bye."

Lucky looks at her curiously."You were saying it's a long story."
Cassidy:"One that will have to wait, I'm afraid. That was a friend of mine. I have to go pick him up at the airport. Can we have a raincheck on dessert?"

Cassidy gets up from the table and retrieves her coat. Lucky holds it for her as she shrugs into it.
Lucky(disappointed):"Sure. I look forward to it."

Cassidy kisses his cheek affectionately. "I wish I had a little brother just like you."

Cassidy runs out the door leaving Mike and Lucky in her wake.

Lucky looks after her wistfully. "She broke my heart."
Mike slaps Lucky on the back. "Nah, just bruised your ego. You never stood a chance, buddy."

.........................


Stefan and Lulu unbuckle their seatbelts once their plane has pulled up to the gate in Switzerland. Lulu is practically bouncing with the anticipation.

Lulu:"So is my Mommy meeting us? Does she know we landed?"
Stefan:"Yes and yes. Let's go, but hold my hand until we get to your mother. We don't want to get separated."
Lulu:"Okay."

Lulu drags Stefan behind her as she runs down the walkway. She speeds up when she catches sight of her mother.

"There's Mommy! MOMMY! MOMMY!" When they are within a few feet of Laura, Stefan lets go of her hand, allowing them a private reunion.

Lulu races to her mother and practically knocks her over. Laura catches her in her arms and squeezes her tightly.

Laura(tears of joy):"Lulu!" Lulu holds on for dear life.

Stefan watches from a distance, taking pleasure at the sight of his two favorite girls finally being together. Laura looks over at him, silently mouthing, 'thank you.'

......................................